Over There: A Visit to National World War I Museum and Memorial

I had the pleasure of speaking to different groups in Kansas City this week about my book, “The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage.” When I was first contacted about the events, I was unsure that I could fit it into the schedule. That is when one of the hosts told me that one of the events would be held at the National World War I Museum. As a military history nut, that ended any doubt. I have wanted to visit the museum for years and could not resist the opportunity. It would turn out to be an overwhelming experience. Kansas City is a beautiful city filled with great food and wonderful people. However, if you come just for the museum, you would consider yourself well served. This is a unique space and captures the causes and costs of the Great War.The museum is located on a gorgeous stretch of land overlooking the city. It offers an enchanting view in the evening, as I found out on my trip in listening to “taps” at dusk.

The museum was opened in 1926 as the country’s official war memorial. It is an imposing structure designed by New York architect Harold Van Buren Magonigle in a classical Egyptian Revival style. There is a brutalist feel with sawed granite and limestone exterior.

Ar the groundbreaking ceremony on November 1, 1921, the attendants included not only Vice President Calvin Coolidge, but also Marshal Ferdinand Foch of France and General of the Armies John J. Pershing of the United States. My grandfather, Ed Turley, fought under Pershing in World War I as part of the “Fighting Irish” division out of New York and New Jersey. He was wounded in combat. Also in attendance were Lieutenant General Baron Jacques of Belgium, Admiral of the Fleet Lord Beatty of Great Britain, and General Armando Diaz of Italy.

On November 11, 1926, President Coolidge opened up the museum with Queen Marie of Romania. Coolidge declared that “the magnitude of this memorial, and the broad base of popular support on which it rests, can scarcely fail to excite national wonder and admiration.”

He was right. This museum and memorial still inspires anyone who visits.The displays are a delight for military history fans with a wide assortment of arms, helmets, and weaponry from the Great War.

It also has realistic recreations of trench warfare and living.

 

My favorite part is actually found in the lower level with a type of storage of items. (If I had one suggestion for the museum, it would be to add to the displays with material in storage and give closer access to the items on the lower level). However, the helmets, uniforms, and other items are extraordinary.

After my event, I was invited by the hosts to watch and listen to “taps” near the “Liberty Tower.” I am so happy that I did. It can only be described as magical. The rain had moved through the city and left a radiant dusk. Young ROTC students supplied the honor guard as a local man played taps.

 

This was followed by Kansas City St. Andrew Pipes and Drums, an award-winning group of musicians that offered a breathtaking performance as the sun set over the city. I have recorded a few of their songs.

I will leave you with these wonderful songs. However, I hope that you will find your way to Kansas City and this unique museum in our heartland. That favorite son of Kansas, Harry Truman once explained his philosophy as “Do your best, history will do the rest.”

Well, Kansas City is still doing its best and presenting the history of the Great War with an elegance and honesty that is a credit to our entire nation.